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AI’s Environmental Impact: Natural Gas Faces Scrutiny Amid Electricity Demand Surge
Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a monumental surge in electricity consumption, triggering concerns about the environmental impact of meeting this demand, particularly with natural gas. Projections indicate a 20% increase in electricity demand by 2030, predominantly fueled by the expansion of AI data centres and the electrification of various sectors. However, this heightened demand poses a dilemma as it may exacerbate carbon emissions and environmental degradation (CNBC).
Natural Gas Under Fire for Environmental Impact
As the primary source of energy to bridge gaps in power generation during periods of renewable energy intermittency, natural gas faces heightened scrutiny for its environmental implications. Despite its reliability, the extraction, processing, and combustion of natural gas release greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change and air quality degradation. With AI’s relentless appetite for electricity, stakeholders are grappling with the trade-offs between meeting energy demands and mitigating environmental harm.
Urgent Calls for Sustainable Solutions
Amid growing concerns over the environmental impact of meeting AI-driven electricity demand, there are urgent calls for sustainable energy solutions. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer cleaner alternatives to natural gas but face challenges in meeting the scale and reliability required to support AI data centres and other electricity-intensive applications. As the debate intensifies, finding a balance between energy security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship becomes paramount.
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